Melbourne halfback Matt Orford has agreed to terms with Manly on a four-year deal, ending weeks of speculation over his NRL future.

Orford will make an official announcement on Thursday when he will also inform his Storm teammates of his long-awaited decision.

His manager George Mimis told Storm chief executive Brian Waldron following a meeting of NRL club CEOs in Sydney.

The 25-year-old City Origin halfback rejected offers from South Sydney and Melbourne to join his club teammate Steve Bell at the Sea Eagles from 2006.

"I'm not gutted," said Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson on hearing the bad news.

"All I can say is it's the old Gomer Pyle - surprise, surprise, surprise."

The Rabbitohs have emerged from the silly season with a fairly bare cupboard on the recruitment front, missing out on Orford, Braith Anasta and Ben Ross.

Their skipper Ashley Harrison has agreed to link with Anasta at the Sydney Roosters.

Storm winger Matt Geyer was stunned at the realisation Orford would be ending his five-year association with Melbourne.

"It's not a good thing for the club," said Geyer.

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